Review

Review Summary: Steve Miller Band's album entitled, 'Fly Like An Eagle,' reminded me that there is a reason bands like this are still played over radio. That is because they are albums that are supposed to be remembered.

As a kid, whenever I was with my dad in a car, we always listened to his music. He always picked bands from his generation and the bands he grew up with, and that is how it was back then. Fortunately (and I mean that), I hated his music, so it was easy to get into bands that were contemporary. Unfortunately, it has been increasingly noticeable that the amount of older bands I listen to is quite scarce. I am strict with the policy of staying within the musical timeline in my life and while I do enjoy a few, somewhat oldies (The Who, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits), the numbers are not huge. Luckily, there is another band I can add to this list, and that would be the Steve Miller Band. It is a new experience to listen to the Steve Miller Band, especially since the blues-rock genre is not exactly my forte as far as listening is concerned. Even so, there is always appreciation for a band that likely influenced scores of hippies to trip and smoke back in the old days, oh and maybe a few future bands and musicians. Their album Fly Like An Eagle is surely a keeper and one to remember.

The Steve Miller Band have been in front of my face or on my radio for what seems like an eternity, but I never knew they sung these songs. Such hits, like Fly Like an Eagle, Rock’n Me, and Take the Money and Run can easily be accredited for their success. Each song is equally catchy, with a rock/bluesy-like sound with an immeasurable amount of rocking out, like in one of the best songs on the album, Take the Money and Run. It is a simple yet extremely effective song, with a hint of southern-esque lyrics. Okay, maybe it is more than just a hint. Meanwhile, Rock’n Me begins with a standout guitar chunk that leads into pure relaxing, and yes, rocking, music. The spacey Fly Like an Eagle is not packed with much action, but it is a soothing song with sound effects from keyboards and simple guitar licks that create that whimsical effect. In addition, Wild Mountain Honey adds another spacey and trippy layer to the album with a Middle Eastern feel flowing in and out. To finish the album, The Window is a beautiful and captivating song. With gorgeous vocal harmonies and lightly strummed acoustical guitar driving the song, it ends as it began, with a very open and floating-like feel to it.

Instrumentally and vocally, the album is well rounded. The bass usually is the root of what the guitar is playing, but in a song like Serenade, that is not the case throughout. Steve Miller’s guitar-work is excellent, never overdone with too much fanciness; there is always the right balance between other instruments. The same can be said about the drumming, for there is no need to be especially showy with the type of bluesy-rock that the Steve Miller Band delivers. Lastly, the vocals are never at a strain. While at times, the reverb can be a bit over the edge on the concept of calming, it usually never becomes overbearing.

Overall, this excellent album would be a record that I would listen to again. I could see myself hanging out with my friends overlooking the suburbs listening to the perfect rocking-chair song, Sweet Maree. Even so, it could easily become boring after a few listens to some if played constantly. Another problem is that the songs become too repetitive for their own good. Even though some songs are shorter than average songs, it can take its toll with repeated choruses and verses. As I broadly went over before, I am no expert on what the Steve Miller Band did for music when they were around. Despite that, I do know there is something special here to offer to the whole music community, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters.

My submission for the review game, a bit rushed due to vacation on the 4th of august, but this was basically how I felt about the album and it would not have changed with time.

I felt this was sufficient to describe this sweet album. Thanks for the submission The Door Mouse, while I still will listen to newer stuff, it reminds me that great music is constantly produced no matter what decade or generation.

Oh and this was #450 on Rolling Stone's top 500 albums of all time.This Message Edited On 07.31.07